(Pharaoh) said to the Chiefs around him: "This is indeed a sorcerer well-versed: 34 Who would drive you out of your land by his magic. Now what counsel ye? 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 That they should bring to you every skillful magician. 37 So the sorcerers were assembled at a fixed time on a day appointed. 38 And it was said unto the people: Are ye (also) gathering? 39 in order that we shall follow the sorcerers if they are the victors' 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 He replied, "You will then be my closest associates". 42 Moses said to them: "Cast what you have to cast." 43 Then they cast their cords and their staves, and said: by the might of Fir'awn, verily we! we shall be the winners. 44 Then Moses cast down his staff and it swallowed up their lying invention, 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, bowing themselves. 46 Crying: We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Sustainer of Moses and Aaron!" 48 Said [Pharaoh]: "Have you come to believe in him ere I have given you permission? Verily, he must be your master who has taught you magic! But in time you shall come to know [my revenge]: most certainly shall I cut off your hands and your feet in great numbers, because of [your] perverseness, and shall most certainly crucify you in great numbers, all together!" 49 They said: "No harm! Surely, to our Lord (Allah) we are to return; 50 We hope our Lord will forgive us, as we are the first of the believers." 51